You have been through really awful times. In terms of looking back and reproaching yourself for not noticing signs earlier, or asking for more time from your parents - don’t beat yourself up over these decisions. You did what you did at the time because of the circumstances your were under. It’s all too easy to look back and think about what you should have done, but that’s being incredibly unfair on yourself. You have the benefit of hindsight now, but you didn’t at the time. Other people manipulated you and were incredibly cruel to you, sadly, including the set of people you should always be able to rely on - your parents.

I really feel for you, having gone through all of this. You’ve done incredibly well to survive it, and while you may not feel it, you are incredibly strong. I’m not sure I would have survived what you have. I guess what I am saying is please give yourself a whole ton credit.

You may be single, and you may have tough times ahead of you, but you are facing them on your own two feet. The people who abused you and deserted you should hang their head in shame.

Going forward, you now have the experience to be cautious and careful as to who you let into your life - that’s a positive. If you recognise that you have tendency to be taken advantage of, at least you have recognised this and you can take it into account.

I hope other people have told you how well you’ve done to get through all of this.